Moral and human values

By Klaus Döring

Human values are virtues — desirable character traits — that guide us to consider the human element when interacting with other people. Human values are those that enable people to live in harmony with the rest of the world. Without values, human life would be devoid of meaning, devolving into a bland, textureless existence without distinction. Human values are the deepest moral aspirations of humanity, and they are the foundation of our lives as individuals and societies. Human values are universal in nature because they are shared by all people, regardless of religion, nationality, or cultural background. Human values encourage consideration for one another.

Moral and human values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our behavior, define our character, and help us distinguish right from wrong. While human values are universal and promote overall well-being and dignity, moral values are specific guidelines shaped by cultural and societal norms.

In these eventful times, with calls for peace all around the globe but also with “lust after war,” with corrupt politicians and terrorist attacks against innocents, and with cries for justice, it is very easy to forget moral and human values. People, don’t let this happen!

Allow me to ask you a question: “What makes a modern person?” Technology and knowledge, for sure? If not, we couldn’t operate our computers or other devices. Skills, of course, are part of it. But more important are attitudes and values, and our readiness for new ways of reacting, feeling, and looking at things.

I am afraid that we have to look first into ourselves. Many of us can notice our sense of group feeling alongside terrible egoism. We care so much for the good of our own families and ourselves by making great sacrifices, even for a long time. Charity starts and ends mostly at home. Why are we not able to develop fidelity that expands into a wider field of action so that we can go beyond the limits of our unsocial system and reach others around us?

We easily blame our government. This happens in almost every country worldwide. But don’t we only get the government that we deserve? Misuse, improper treatment, rude language and behavior, and corruption — these are all reflections of ourselves. Mistakes, injustice, the wrong sense of values, and the lack of priorities caused by arrogance and ignorance are with us daily and are simply our own.

A nation might have been rich with abundant blessings; it is only unfortunate that these blessings could not be made useful because of some flaws in the entire system. Why do we have collapsing economies or huge foreign and national debts? Because human values are not put in place. It’s easier to fill your own pockets than to care for a neighbor. Aren’t we paid for the service we render, so why do we resort to other unlawful and shameful activities? Are we really prioritizing material things over and above spiritual satisfaction?

We are becoming weaker and weaker when we lack punctuality, honesty, and responsibility. We have to improve as human persons with national pride, discipline, and consistency, because skills, knowledge, and technology are not enough. We have to avoid too many subjective comments, excessive sensitivity, and being fancy and conceited. If a nation like the Philippines is still rich in natural resources and intelligent, highly creative people, its people should guard against know-it-all criticism about insufficiency, imbalance, or inequality.

Moral and human values can only grow if we are willing to undergo renewal of will, mind, and heart. Let us give moral and human values a try. They could do great things to alleviate economic life, to save us all from imminent spiritual degradation, and to allow us to live in peace and harmony.

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